FRANKFORT, Ky. (10/15/13) – The month of October celebrates National Pit Bull Awareness Month. It’s a great opportunity for shelters, breed clubs, and recue organizations to spotlight the breed with adoption, education and responsible ownership events.

Pit Bulls were the original working dog. The breed can be traced back to property owners choosing a dog who had stamina, high pain tolerance, gaminess, and loyalty to humans. By blending a terrier type dogs and bulldog types, American Pit Bull Terrier became the dog that would watch over your children, alert you when a trespasser came by, assist with livestock and kill small game. They were a true versatile dog.

It wasn’t until more recent times that Pit Bulls with selected traits were taken and used in a cruel manner. Because of irresponsible owners and dog fighting, these dogs have been perpetuated with a negative image. Due to this negative image, the negative stigma breed legislation, landlord bias, and refusal of coverage by insurance companies has become very common.

However, the traits this breed possess make them fun, active, useful for those who choose to own them responsibly. With any dog, not just Pit Bulls, with obedience training, early socialization and a lot of love, these dogs can make a great companion.

Through education and compassion we can bring a positive change for this incredible breed.